Efficient collisional dissociation of Na{sub 2}{sup +} by laser-excited Na (3p)
In studying ionization reactions in a single dense effusive beam of laser-excited Na(3p) atoms, we observe production of both Na{sub 2}{sup +} and Na{sup +} ions. The Na{sup +} results from the familiar associative ionization reaction of two Na(3p) atoms and the Na{sup +} ions under our conditions result mostly from the collisional dissociation of the Na{sub 2}{sup +} by reaction with a third excited Na(3p) atom, rather than from photo- dissociation or photoionization. A CW, single-frequency dye laser tuned to 589 nm resonantly excites the Na(3s) atoms to the 3p state. The atomic beam Na(3s) density is determined from low-intensity 589 absorption measurements. Na{sup +} ion yield depends on the cube of the Na beam density, suggesting successive collisions of three Na(3p) atoms: we believe the Na{sub 2}{sup +} ions polarize the third Na(3p) atom, resulting in a R{sup -4} orbiting collision interaction. A large collisional dissociation cross-section of approximately (4{plus_minus}2)x10{sup -13} cm{sup 2} results, for oven temperatures in the 500-600K range.
- OSTI ID:
- 281362
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9305421--
- Journal Information:
- Bulletin of the American Physical Society, Journal Name: Bulletin of the American Physical Society Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 38; ISSN BAPSA6; ISSN 0003-0503
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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